If you are a foreign citizen and want to work in Spain, it is necessary that you know the existing regulations regarding obtaining authorization to work in Spanish territory.

In this article you will know what are work permits for foreigners and what is their classification,
how to get work permits in Spain,
where to apply for them, what requirements are required to obtain them and, especially, what jobs you can exercise, once you have obtained it.

 

What is a work permit?

A work permit is a legal authorization granted by the Spanish Government and through which a foreign citizen will be allowed to develop a lucrative, professional or labor activity,provided that certain requirements are met.

That is, the work permit will be the necessary condition required of any foreigner, so that he can work within Spanish territory.

Work permits will be regulated by the Aliens Act.

What kinds of work permits are there?

In this sense, already knowing the concept, the first thing to highlight regarding work permits in Spain, is the existence of two essential classes of permits:

  • The one that must be requested by those who intend to undertake and work on their own in Spain.
  • The one that must be requested by those who are going to be hired by an employer, that is, those who are going to work as an employee.

Each of them will require different requirements and procedures to obtain it.

Residence and work permit for others

permiso-trabajo-cuenta-ajena

If you want to work for another person in the Spanish territory, you must obtain this type of work permit in Spain,whose main feature is that it must be requested by the employer himself.

Requirements to obtain a work permit in Spain as an employee

  • Be over 16 years old.
  • Not be a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
  • Do not reside irregularly in Spain.
  • Not having a criminal record in any country (including Spain) or being prohibited from accessing the national territory.
  • Not be within three years of signing a no return commitment, if it was signed at all.
  • Have the qualification required to perform the job.
  • The company must be registered in the Social Security system and be up to date with all payments due.
  • Submit the necessary documentation, following the correct procedure.
    • The employer must complete and sign the
      official application form EX-03,
      in addition to submitting it in duplicate at the Aliens Office of the province in which you are going to work, together with a copy of passport and all titles or documents that justify the capacity and professional qualification of the worker.
    • Pay, both the employer and the worker, the fees corresponding to model 790.
    • Wait for the resolution of the request (in a maximum of three months and, if they do not respond, it will be denied).
    • Once the work permit has been obtained, the worker must obtain a visa to access Spain. Once registered in the Social Security, you must process the Foreigners Identity Card (TIE).

Residence and self-employment permit

permiso-de-trabajo-cuenta-propia

On the other hand, if what you want is to carry out an activity on your own and set up your business in Spain as a
foreigner,
a series of conditions must be met.

Requirements to obtain a work permit in Spain on your own

  • Be over 18 years old.
  • Not be a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
  • Do not reside irregularly in Spain.
  • Not having a criminal record in any country (including Spain) or being prohibited from accessing the national territory.
  • Not be within three years of signing a no return commitment, if it was signed at all.
  • Have the qualification required to carry out the professional activity.
  • Meet all the requirements required, legally, for the start-up of the business or project in question, in addition to justifying that you have sufficient economic resources to develop it.
  • Comply with the following procedure:
    • Fill in and sign the official application form EX-07 and present it in duplicate at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country, along with a copy of the passport and all the required licenses and authorizations (which will depend on the business or project in question), as well as the documents that justify the capacity and professional qualification of the worker.
    • Pay the corresponding fees.
    • Wait for the resolution of the application (a maximum of three months and, if they do not respond, it will have been denied).
    • Once the work permit has been obtained, you must get the visa to access Spain,where you must register with the Social Security and process the TIE.

conclusion

The
work permit in Spain
constitutes the condition without which you will not be able to work in Spanish territory, if you are a foreigner.

To obtain it, it will be necessary to meet some requirements and follow a specific procedure, which may vary depending on whether you want to work as a self-employed or employed person.

In any case, if you need more information, you already know that you can contact our advisors and business consultants.